A Cup of Grace – with a shot of espresso

I like dressing up. Ironically, when most people can’t wait to get into their comfy clothes after work, being dressed up is one of the things I miss. I especially like when all the pieces of an outfit fit together and the accessories add that special touch of finish. Finding those final elements of jewelry, shoes, purse that tie everything perfectly together can just feel like such a win.

You may completely understand this, or you may be shaking your head thinking, “Give me my sweats and t-shirt any day over that mess.” Regardless, I must acknowledge that, though I enjoy accessories, they are just that – accessories, extras. They are not really crucial to the whole being dressed thing. However, when it comes to being spiritually well dressed, the accessories are crucial.

If you are familiar with Ephesians 6: 10-18, you will know that Paul likens the Christian to a Roman soldier. (Take a moment to go read it.) He then goes on to tell us how to be dressed. In summary, he says that on our head is the helmet of salvation and that we wear the breastplate of righteousness. Over our waist and hips is truth. He also says we have the shield of faith to extinguish the fiery darts of Satan, and our sword is the Word of God. Finally, on our feet is the gospel of peace – the good news that we carry to others. 

Four parts are worn. Let’s briefly look at three of those. The salvation we have in Christ is our helmet. Our head, where a blow would be mortal, is covered through the salvation He has given. If we have chosen Christ, we have taken this helmet.

We are also dressed in the breast plate of righteousness.  The vital organs are covered, not by our own righteousness, but by Christ’s. Again, this is where a blow would be mortal.

The skirt (in the Roman world referred to as “pteruges.”) we wear is truth. It allows us to move easily but also offers protection.  We are to speak and live honestly. Note that hypocrisy would be the opposite of this. 

Now however, I want to turn your attention to the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. What strikes me about these two is that we must USE them in order for them to be effective. Holding them is not enough.  These aren’t just accessories to improve the “look.” Even a well dressed soldier can suffer defeat or wounding. When we fail to use the sword and the shield, we are easily knocked back, bruised and battered by Satan’s attacks.

But consider for a moment, how often do we trust our reason rather than have faith in God? We put our faith in our intelligence or our resources. We seek to use our own understanding to deal with what Satan throws at us.  Let’s be clear; Satan, though not omniscient nor all powerful, is definitely smarter than we are.  He knows what works best against us. (He’s had thousands of years of practice!) How silly our weapon of “reason” becomes, how easily manipulated.

Look at how easily we justify our sins. We lied “because we were protecting another’s feelings” or “because the truth would cause unnecessary conflict.”  We speak harshly and justify it with “I was just telling the truth.” We justify pride, self righteousness, deceit, and a host of other “minor” sins.  Our reason alone is certainly not what we should be using in spiritual conflict. Long before Paul, scripture gave good counsel: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5). Note that it is the shield of FAITH that extinguishes the “fiery darts of the devil,” not the shield of reason.

Which brings us to the sword.  Paul clarifies so that there is no confusion.  Our one offensive weapon is the Word of God. But do we even remove it from its sheath?  How well do we know the Word of God? Are you reading what others say about it, or are you digging in yourself? It’s the difference between watching a YouTube video about sword play techniques and actually practicing the forms yourself.  The first is useful and informative, but until you handle the sword yourself, you cannot become adept at using it. 

Not only do we need to use our sword, we need to know how to use it (Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved unto God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” – NAS). A poorly handled sword is a danger to both the user and anyone else around.  

There are lots of people who misuse, misquote, and use scripture out of context.  Satan did this as he tempted Eve and then later with Jesus. Intentionally, as in Satan’s case, or unintentionally, these people cause harm to those who lack knowledge and understanding.  Growing in your own knowledge and understanding helps you protect yourself from others, as well as from misleading others. Note that Jesus himself quoted scripture to combat Satan’s misuse of scripture.  

The fear of making mistakes shouldn’t make you afraid to use your sword. It should make you determined to know it well – to study so that you use it as intended.  The only way to develop your skill and understanding of the Bible is to read and apply it. 

Although my only exposure to battle is via a video game (which I was terrible at), I CAN tell you that being in my Bible daily has made a difference in the spiritual battles I fight. I have come to know my Lord and Savior in a very personal way. It’s one on one training that has deepened my love and loyalty to my Commander as well as my trust in Him.  So the use of my “sword” has made the use of my “shield” more natural.  They work best together.

I do want to take a moment to look at our feet. They are covered with a very particular shoe, “the gospel of peace.” Wait a minute. How can “peace” be a part of the armor meant for battle? The battle we are involved in is not against other people. It is a spiritual battle against Satan, and his attempts to make us ineffective. If we are using our Bible to wage “war” against others, simply in an effort to prove we are right, Satan has convinced us to use our sword against the wrong opponent.

The gospel is a message of peace. (Please don’t confuse this with approval of sin or even a refusal to debate.) We are sharing the good news of peace with God. Jesus brought that for all. But not all accept it. Not all will like to hear the truth, but arguing with them, shouting at them, calling them names does NOT convince them or win the battle. “Speak the truth”, God’s truth – God’s Word (not your opinion) – “in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

You don’t need to follow my fashion advice of the day, but I am a seasoned “soldier”.  I come to you, not as a fashionista, but as a veteran and a sister in arms. There are others here who are much better and more deeply experienced than I am. I long for nothing more than to point you to our Commander and encourage you to spend time with Him. Get to know and trust Him. Strengthen your shield arm, become skilled and knowledgeable with your sword, know who the real enemy is, and share the good news of peace with God that comes through Jesus.